Arts & Culture Community Kids & Families Photos & Videos

Creatures, Large and Small, Come to Annual Blessing of the Animals

Posted on Author Matt ContiComments(4)

Old North Church hosted Sunday’s annual Blessing of the Animals ceremony bringing all sorts of pets and humans to the Prado, Paul Revere Mall, in Boston’s North End. The service commemorates the life of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. Rev. Steve Ayers and Rev. Ellie Terry of the Old North Church, gave readings from scripture and prayers followed by individual blessings.

St. Francis of Assisi was said to be able to communicate with animals. There are legends of Francis preaching to doves and crows. One story recounts his rescuing a wild rabbit caught in a trap, ending with the rabbit following him for days and constantly hopping on his lap in appreciation. Perhaps the most famous story speaks of Francis taming a wolf that terrorized a village in Italy.

Dog lovers should plan to attend RUFF’s fun dog show on October 8th, 10:30 a.m. at the dog park (Prince & Snowhill Streets). Also, to support Old North programs, tickets are available to the Harvest Moon Gala on October 20th.

Photos by Matt Conti.

Related Articles
Daily Briefs

Weekend Brief: Underneath Old North Church, Genocide Commemorations, Friday Film Series

Posted on Author Katie Babb

Things to know for Friday Today is Friday, April 20 and if you’re in the mood for a sensational sub this weekend, Phantom Gourmet has you covered with their countdown of 8 great spots for sandwiches including the North End’s own Pauli’s.  Here’s what else you need to know for the weekend… 11:00AM Meet the Read More…
Daily Briefs

Monday’s Brief: Short-Term Rentals Hearing, Langone / Puopolo Park Meetings, Zagat’s Best Restaurants, Countdown to Summer

Posted on Author Katie Babb

Things to know for Monday Today is Monday, May 21st and the countdown to summer is officially on with Memorial Day less than a week away.  Here’s what you need to know for the week ahead… 9:00AM Public Working Session on Short-Term Rentals. The City Council Committee will hold a working session on Docket #0764 in Read More…
Arts & Culture Photos & Videos

Patriots Corner Gallery “Rally Point” Exhibit at Old North’s Clough House – May 17 through July 15

Posted on Author NorthEndWaterfront.com

RALLY POINT: BRAVERY + ACTIONPatriots Corner Gallery at Old North ChurchClough House, 21 Unity Street, BostonMay 17 – July 15, 2019 Old North Church & Historic Site presents its first art show in the exhibition space, Patriots Corner Gallery, located in the Clough House on Unity Street.  The famous signal lanterns of April 18, 1775, displayed in the Old Read More…

4 Replies to “Creatures, Large and Small, Come to Annual Blessing of the Animals”

  1. Frankie – congratulations on your big day! We had a nice time at your reception. I hope you got a lot of cash, save it for college.

  2. Frank, how about you stop climbing on me like a Billy Goat and waking me up when I’m trying to sleep in. Maybe next time you get a blessing let’s see if the man upstairs can help with that.

  3. Guys, thank you so much for all of my gifts. My mum is planning on sending me to the Derek Zoolander School for Puppies who cant listen good. They let me in since I am ridiculously cute 😉 – Love, Frankie

Comments are closed.